Ai No Corrida (B.Myagkov)

"Ai No Corrida," penned by the talented duo Chas Jankel and Kenny Young, first emerged in 1980 on Jankel's self-titled debut album. While Jankel's original laid the groundwork, it was Quincy Jones's iconic 1981 cover, featuring the distinctive vocals of Dune (Charles May) and Patti Austin, that catapulted the song into global recognition, solidifying its place as a quintessential early 1980s funk and disco-infused R&B standard. Jones's rendition, a top 30 hit in the United States and a Grammy Award winner for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) in 1982, masterfully blended infectious grooves with sophisticated harmonies, defining the sound of an era. The song's title, derived from the Japanese film "In the Realm of the Senses," translates to "Bullfight of Love," hinting at its passionate and vibrant character. This big band arrangement by Boris Myagkov captures the electrifying energy and sophisticated harmonic palette of the Quincy Jones classic, translating its infectious groove into a powerful orchestral statement. The musical character is defined by a bright, medium-up funk groove, typically set around 120-130 BPM, pulsating with an irresistible danceable feel. The key is bright and engaging, maintaining the original's vibrant mood, while Myagkov's treatment enhances the inherent excitement with dynamic contrasts and rich, extended harmonies characteristic of contemporary big band writing. The arrangement evokes a sense of joy, sophistication, and undeniable cool, making it an instant crowd-pleaser and a rewarding challenge for performers. Boris Myagkov's distinctive arranging style shines through in his treatment of "Ai No Corrida." Known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to infuse modern big band voicings into popular tunes, Myagkov expertly crafts intricate soli sections that showcase the full power of the saxophone, trumpet, and trombone sections. Expect layered horn lines, punctuated by tight rhythmic figures, and a driving rhythm section that propels the piece forward. The arrangement features prominent melodic statements carried by the vocal and saxophone sections, often intertwined with brass counter-melodies. While specific solo sections are designed to feature improvisation, the entire ensemble contributes to the musical narrative with challenging yet rewarding technical passages. Myagkov's arrangements often feature creative reharmonizations and a sophisticated use of dynamics, ensuring that even familiar melodies sound fresh and engaging. This arrangement is ideally suited for college and community big bands, as well as semi-professional ensembles seeking a challenging yet accessible chart with significant audience appeal. The demands on the brass and saxophone sections require strong technical proficiency and blend, while the rhythm section must maintain a consistent and energetic funk groove. The inclusion of a vocal part, alongside a back vocal, adds another layer of authenticity and performance opportunity, allowing bands to recreate the iconic vocal interplay of the original. The arrangement's 39 pages, including a comprehensive conductor score, provide ample material for study and performance, promising a rewarding experience for both musicians and listeners. Performing Boris Myagkov's "Ai No Corrida" requires a tight, cohesive ensemble with a strong rhythmic foundation. The primary technical challenge lies in maintaining the consistent, driving funk groove throughout, demanding precision from the rhythm section, particularly the bass and drums. Horn sections should focus on crisp articulation and unified phrasing in the numerous soli passages, paying close attention to dynamic shaping to highlight Myagkov's layered voicings. The tempo should be a steady medium-up funk, around 120-130 BPM, emphasizing a strong backbeat. Special techniques include controlled brass falls and doits, particularly in the shout chorus, which add to the authentic funk aesthetic. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to isolating and polishing the intricate horn figures and ensuring seamless transitions between sections, especially leading into and out of solo breaks. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement is scored for a full big band, including Vocal, Back Vocal, Flute, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trumpet 3, Trumpet 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Bass Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Drums. Q: What is the difficulty level of this big band arrangement? A: This arrangement is considered advanced intermediate to advanced, suitable for college, community, and semi-professional big bands. It requires strong technical proficiency in all sections, particularly in maintaining the intricate funk groove and executing complex horn voicings. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "Ai No Corrida"? A: "Ai No Corrida" is a jazz standard with strong funk and disco influences, originally composed by Chas Jankel and Kenny Young in 1980. It gained widespread fame through Quincy Jones's Grammy-winning big band arrangement in 1981, defining a sophisticated R&B sound of the early 1980s. Q: What makes Boris Myagkov's arrangement of "Ai No Corrida" unique? A: Boris Myagkov's arrangement stands out for its sophisticated big band voicings, dynamic contrasts, and intricate soli sections that capture the original's energy while adding a contemporary jazz ensemble feel. It features both vocal and back vocal parts, enhancing its performance versatility and authenticity. Q: What is the typical performance duration or tempo for this arrangement? A: The arrangement is designed for a medium-up funk groove, typically performed between 120-130 beats per minute. The exact performance duration will depend on the inclusion and length of improvised solos, but generally falls within the 4-6 minute range.